Effect of heat treatment on mechanical properties of TCS stainless steel

The effect of heat-treatment on mechanical properties and microstructure of TCS stainless steel by box-type resistance furnace was investigated.It is found that the heating temperature and the holding time have little effect on mechanical properties of steel when the heating temperature is below 900℃.While the heating temperature is above 900℃,the tensile strength and hardness are first quickly increased and then slightly decreased with increasing the heating temperature.The maximum values of tensile strength and hardness are respectively 870MPa and 266HB at about 1200℃.Moreover,the ballistic work and elongation are decreased with increasing the heating temperature.With respect to the microstructure transformation,it is found that the partial ferrite transforms to austenite when the heating temperature is above 900℃.And the martensite precipitates from the austenite during quenching process.While the heating temperature is above 1200℃,a great deal of high temperature δ-ferritic phase forms.